Tauranga is getting all jazzed up, and all in the name of a fantastic event, with the 56^th National Jazz Festival on this weekend throughout the city.

Festival director, Craig Wilson, says it's been absolutely fantastic so far and Tauranga can expect a great weekend ahead.

'It's all going really well,” he says. 'I managed to catch Caitriona Fallon perform at Baycourt last night to a full audience.

'It was a great, intimate setting which was incredible for the audience who were able to witness it, and Caitriona of course did an amazing show.”

Caitriona performing last night.

Craig says the entertainment doesn't stop there, with plenty more artists on the way this weekend.

'We've got Shiraz tonight in the Blink Jazz Lounge at Baycourt, which is another sold out show, from 6pm.

'Then later in the night Dr Rodger Fox takes to the stage.

'Dr Fox is also the head judge on our panel of guest judges for the Youth Competitions which finish at the end of the day so they will all be playing at Baycourt this evening, at the Addison Theatre - that should be a big night.”

Other judges for the Youth Competitions include American bassist Dewayne Pate and saxophonist Dave Wilson.

On Saturday, the Downtown Carnival gets underway from midday Saturday until 6pm and it's also running again on Sunday. Craig says it's a hit.

'We get anywhere between 8000-12,000 people each day, depending on the weather, so it should be a cracker weekend.”

The carnival is one of two outdoor events happening on The Strand and the Tauranga Waterfront as part of the festival, with the second being the TECT Big Band Bonanza at the Tauranga Waterfront on Monday April 2.

The Downtown Carnival will include live amplified music – a mix of jazz, blues and funk and it's just a gold coin donation to attend, says Craig.

'Road closures are in place on the Strand between Harrington Street and Devonport Road. Wharf Street is also closed from the Strand to Willow Street; Hamilton Street is closed from the Strand to Willow Street. These closures take effect from 5am on Friday March 30 until 9pm on Monday April 2.

'In addition Willow Street will also be closed between Spring Street and Hamilton Street from 6am-6pm on Saturday March 31.”

Craig says each day of the carnival is followed by further evening entertainment.

'Saturday night James Morrison plays at Baycourt and Hurricane Party is bringing a night of entertainment to Mount Maunganui at the Classic Flyers Museum from 7pm-11pm on Sunday.

'Then concluding the week is the TECT Big Band Bonanza, which takes place on the Tauranga Waterfront from 10am-3pm, featuring jazz music performed by two big bands.

'The concert is free for all to attend.”

To find out more about the festival, including any ticketing information, visit the official Festival website.